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New Civic Type R The Story So Far

2015 couldn’t come soon enough. With the new NSX and Civic Type R, Honda is finally ending its sports car drought. The CR-Z is a commendable effort, introducing a sporty hybrid is no easy feat, but sadly an effort quite misunderstood. The CR-Z is a sporty hybrid, but one must know what a hybrid drives first to understands and appreciates the value of CR-Z. Those who values the CR-Z will appreciates a good handling compact with sporty aspiration but at the same time, can be driven slow and steady to preserve mother earth’s precious oil reserve. Those who don’t understand the value of CR-Z will hate its less than mediocre engine compared to traditional high strung high power engines.

Well, revel on the Civic Type R ladies and gentlemen… As Honda have confirmed a production sport car true to Honda racing heritage. The Civic Type R has been confirmed to be powered by a newly developed 2.0L turbocharged engine producing “more” than 280 bhp. Honda chief engineers even want to beat Renault Megane RS Trophy achievement as the fastest front wheel drive car on Germany fearsome Nürburgring track. Dubbed by Honda engineers as a “racing car for the road”, the 2015 Civic Type R took Civic Euro 9th generation chassis and hit the ground running. Honda decision to treat the Civic Euro was heavily criticized by most Honda communities including yours truly. The major consensus is that the 9th generation Civic Euro is… A reskinned bigger Honda Fit, complete with the magic seat and the much dreaded McPherson Strut and Torsion Beam suspension.

So why Honda decides to use Civic Euro as its next Civic Type R? Nostalgia? Or because it’s one of Honda “we do it because it’s hard” kind of thing? Well, we may never know… But one thing for sure, Honda is making it happen. I can only explain that torsion beam does have its merits. Since the rear wheels are connected, it introduced rigidity to the rear suspension, one trait all racing cars has. Also, there’s the fact that THE fastest front wheel drive production car to lap Nürburgring, the Megane RS Trophy… Uses similar suspension setup as the Civic Euro. So if Renault engineers can pull it off, why can’t Honda engineers does it too?

The Civic Type R journey is truly something to remember by. It all started way back in late 2012 where spy shots reveals a regular Civic Euro with an ugly ass wing taped (it doesn’t get any janky than tape to stick something to a car) to its rear. The rumor mill is hot with Type R successor which ended production in 2010. But it was 2013 and still angry from V8 FR flagship sedan and V10 exotic sports car cancellations, the fans just gave it a meh and be done with it, expecting another half effort attempt at the car, a tuned Civic Si for the European market. It’s not until a hotter rumor, one which stated the car will be turbocharged then everybody’s attention is piqued.

Then, Honda CEO Takanobu Ito dropped the nuclear bomb of the decade. Honda will go turbo for the new Type R… Oh my, how the community riled up and dance in glee and shirtless. The rumored 1.6L turbo gave way to a 2.0L turbo and the challenge to be the fastest front wheel drive production car to run in the Nürburgring. It was an ecstasy, so many have hoped Honda to leave its comfort zone behind and create an over the top car, and they did it.

Around August 2013, a new camouflaged Civic Type R spy shots emerged with what everybody concludes is undergoing comparison with its rivals. The car now has a lower suspension profile, wider tires, wide body kit and a better integrated aerodynamic rear wing. The huge intercooler is visible from the spy shots, confirming the turbo charging aspect of the engine.

Finally on November 2013, Honda did a media event, showcasing its future technology. A global event, it showcases Honda new multi gear dual clutch transmission, the turbo engines, a light weight CR-Z, and the venerable Civic Type R. Covered in matte black paint, the Civic Type R prototype again receive some minor modification, especially in its front fender having aerodynamic bits. The auto jurno from Topgear and Autocar expresses a universal praise about the car.

Honda answers the problem of having a torsion beam rear suspension by introducing an adaptive damper, an adjustable suspension for the car. Which at the touch of the “Type R” button, stiffens to support more aggressive throttle tuning, steering, and reduced traction control.

Entering the new year we now have another sketch of the Civic Type R from Honda, and one which fuels the eagerness of people awaiting Honda return to sporting form. The sketch shows airlets on front and rear fenders, massive diffuser and an integrated rear wing-rear lighting system. The integrated wing flows elegantly as it harkens to the old days of NSX integrated rear lighting – wing system.

Anticipation is through the roof about the Civic Type R. It is the defining moment of Honda return to sporting form of the 90s. Which was marked by amazing cars like the NSX, the Integra Type R, the Civic Type R and the Prelude. The 2000’s was the decade of confusion in Honda history. The ending of S2000 and the NSX was disheartening as the US only Civic SI single handedly carried the torch of sporting car from Honda.

There are more rumors abound about Honda not only making the Civic Type R and NSX as their sporty offering but until these two cars launches sometimes next year, I think Honda fans needs are all covered up.